Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2006-07: Beating Harri Säteri for the starting goalie’s job during the U18 World Championships in 2007, Metsola became the third Ilves goalie in a row to hold the post, trailing Tuukka Rask and Riku Helenius. Overshadowed by his elders in Ilves and previously by the younger Säteri and Tomi Karhunen on Team Finland, it took consistent game-breaking performances on international ice for Metsola to join the forefront of Finnish goalies. His draft year in 2006-07 was the best of his career so far.

Talent Analysis

Metsola has a hurdle -- small-framed and standing at 5’10, he can’t play a fully-effective butterfly. Instead, he does his best to cover the lower part of the net while still on his skates. He reads the game very well for his age, which is necessary for him to survive in traffic. Altogether, his abilities add up to game-breaking potential. His technique doesn’t quite appear like something a seasoned pro would boast, so Metsola will likely still go through some fundamental development before finding his final form.

Photo: HPK Hameenlinna goaltender and Nashville Predators prospect Juuse Saros has appeared in 39 international contests for Finland over the past five seasons (courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Finland has consistently produced NHL-caliber goalies in recent years. While some were never drafted and signed after establishing themselves in the domestic Liiiga — such as Chicago’s Antti Raanta or Antti Niemi of San Jose — there have also been some high profile draft picks like Tuukka Rask and Pekka Rinne who are enjoying great NHL careers. Read more»